“I am delighted that Hyundai Motorsport has offered me the chance to return to the WRC with a full-time seat for 2018 and 2019,” said Mikkelsen.

“Even before my first rally with the team, I feel that I have settled in quickly, and it is clear to me that I am joining a world-class team with realistic chances of fighting for both Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ championships.

“I look forward to helping to achieve these goals from Rallye Monte-Carlo next year, and making my own presence felt in the drivers’ title fight.”

The Norwegian will be joined by compatriot Anders Jaeger as co-driver for the remainder of this season and his new full-time drive.

Hyundai has reiterated that its existing crews of Paddon/Seb Marshall, Sordo/Marc Martí, and Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul remain under contract for 2018.

Neuville is currently second in the championship with three rounds remaining, while Sordo is fifth and Paddon ninth, and the latter two face the possibility of sharing a drive next year.